Why a Brexit extension could break the deadlock

One possible landing zone for the the two sides relies on extra time being available, says Jon Stone

(AFP/Getty)

Both sides in Brexit talks agree on one thing: there’s been little progress on any of the hardest issues since trade talks began.

The question of an extension to the transition period has inevitably raised its head: under Boris Johnson’s withdrawal agreement, any delay has to be agreed by the end of June at the latest.

That’s now next month, but the UK insists it won’t ask for one. There is no sign of the Covid-19 crisis being used as an excuse for a change of course.